Direct Energy will help Fort McMurray customers understand the math in whopping utility bills. The company is sending customer service representatives to the oilsands city to meet with residents who got several months worth of charges on their latest bills.

The entire city of 80,000 was forced to evacuate during the wildfire back in May. After the disaster, customers did not receive gas or electric bills until the past few weeks. For many, the bills have several months’ worth of charges totalling over $1000 dollars in some cases.

Credits were applied to offset charges during the month that people were not allowed in their homes. Still, the final tally left many shocked and complaining the numbers don’t make sense.

Full-day sessions with the company are planned today, tomorrow and Friday to answer questions face-to-face. A public information session hosted by the RM of Wood Buffalo is scheduled for Thursday evening.